1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Big Boy Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 14:56

New bed for my boy. Great plan and not expensive.

Sean Hight on Facebook

Built from Plan(s)
Essential Kids Bed Frame - Twin and Full Sizes

Comments

Rustic Bench (Coffee Table)

Submitted by REASMOM on Mon, 04/07/2014 - 17:09

I made this coffee table from Ana's Rustic Bench plans in The Handbuilt Home. I needed something fairly small for my living room and this worked perfectly. I used pine and stained it with Minwax Early American. I finished it with 3 coats of Minwax Polyurethane.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Early American and Minwax Polyurethane (clear satin)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Sauna

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:17

Outside sauna.

Charles

King Size Platform Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/01/2024 - 07:33

followed your instructions for the "Essential Platform Bed Frame" -- made this as a king. 2x6's for all legs/center supports with mitered corners for a simple added style. only suggestion/modification is the the #of slats you suggested (10) is way too few, I ended up using 15 or more

Also, used the circle-corners instead of mitering because all our doorframes in the house have that type of corner, and then I wouldn't have to "match" the leaf design where the mitered corners meet

Thanks for your guide!

Jake in Spokane

Built from Plan(s)
Essential Platform Bed Frame

Benchright Round Side Table

These tables are part of the Benchright collection. They are not terribly hard to make, especially if you buy the 24" diameter round table top from Lowes.

Built from Plan(s)
Benchright Round End Tables
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut and Semigloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

jrankintamu

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 20:18

Good lord my camera was dirty. I promise it wasn't the floor. Doesn't help that I am NOT a photographer.

Pallet style outdoor platform sectional (variation) with patio table

Submitted by SeanyMc on Tue, 06/17/2014 - 13:44

Saw the Outdoor sectional on your website and I just had to build it! Made some variations to the original plans, one being making it higher off the ground and the other was a necessity because Home Depot didn't have the right size wood and I wasn't about to go running around from store to store, so I used scraps to make a corner piece that fits perfectly. The most timely aspect was the sanding and removing all the rough edges. Also used Bondo to fill in all the holes that were on the outside to give it an all around smooth finish. The end result is just about the same though and the family and friends are in love with it! Thank you so much for the plans! Really could not even come close to justifying what it would cost to buy a sectional like this. Cushions were a huge concern and rightfully so. After building, I started searching and was mostly getting prices in the plus $800 range. It was breaking my heart knowing I was going to have to pay more than double what the entire sectional cost me. In the end though, was able to land some 25 x 25 x 6 cushions at Lowes for 50% off ($50 a piece).

Blog Link
Platform Outdoor Sectional
Built from Plan(s)
Platform Outdoor Sectional
Platform Outdoor Sectional with End Table (part 2)
Estimated Cost
$750 ($300 Wood & supplies. $40 paint. $400 for 50% off cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Dark Walnut Paint, All in One.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

drhj84

Mon, 10/06/2014 - 08:18

I was wondering if you could tell us the model of your cushions.  I builth this over the weekend, but I ma having a tough time picking cushions.  thanks

 

 

HANLOP01

Mon, 03/16/2015 - 09:06

I love this modification. Did you use 2x8s or 2x10s for your base? It looks like you angles the back. How did you go about doing that? Thank you for posting this?! Great work!

longshot

Mon, 06/29/2015 - 18:00

nice build, when you get some time can you put up your modifications please:) would love to build this! Love the colours you used and how it looks!Me too..you cook like me, i make it my style...thats how i do my salsa ..my way i like it...

longshot

Mon, 06/29/2015 - 18:00

nice build, when you get some time can you put up your modifications please:) would love to build this! Love the colours you used and how it looks!Me too..you cook like me, i make it my style...thats how i do my salsa ..my way i like it...

tsmith@vanausd…

Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:37

This looks great. This is exactly what I want to make. How is the height of the sectional? That's my only concern. Is there anything you would change if you were to do it all over again?

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Easy Front Porch Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:33

Easy Build DIY Planter Box with Cedar Fence Pickets

Followed these plans and made these planter boxes for the front porch! I couldn’t believe I was able to complete a project like this so quickly! Instead of paint, I opted to use some grey stain I had leftover from another project. Thanks! I love them!

Beth

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build DIY Planter Box with Cedar Fence Pickets

King size Farmhouse Bed

Unbelievable that just a few months ago I couldn't even get the corners to match up on a frame! Now I'm completely addicted to creating my own things. And saving soooo much money. Thank you Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bed (California King Size)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr polar bear white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 12/12/2012 - 05:14

You did a great job and I love all of the color coordination between the bedding and the wall color. Really pretty.

sxewhodey

Thu, 01/02/2020 - 04:36

Very nice.  I am a big money saver, and I used a coupon as well, so I am curious how you met the cost of $150?  I think my cost ended up being about $220 after our trip to lowes. Are there better times of the year to buy lumber, Did you already have the screws and brads available? My last question is if you tried staining and went with paint in the end, or if you knew you wanted to paint from the beginning?  I got all my dimensions cut yesterday, so going into the weekend will let me know if staining will be a success or not.  Pine isn't the friendliest to take stain.

I cant believe how big this thing is.  I have had queen all my life :)

Looks Great!

18" Doll Wardrobe

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/18/2017 - 07:33

I used the 18" Doll Wardobe plans! I decided not to do the Murphy bed. I loved how it turned out and the plan was easy to follow! Looking forward to more DIY projects

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Modern Adirondack Chair and Loveseat

Submitted by SofiaTaz on Sun, 12/06/2020 - 12:51

We loved the Modern Adirondack Chair pattern so much that we adapted it to have a matching love seat. It turned out beautifully!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair
Estimated Cost
$200 CAD
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Ana White Cabinet Builder Google Sheet converted to Microsoft Excel

I was trying to use the google sheets cabinet calculator that Ana posted and found that others were accessing and editing the master at the same time. I thought perhaps a Microsoft Excel version of the calculator to download may be useful.

I wasn't able to upload to this site so I've created a Brag Post to link to it on my site.

UPDATE: Ana's website has been updated and the file is now an Excel Spreadsheet which can be downloaded.

Blog Link
Cabinet Calculator converted to excel for download
Built from Plan(s)
Shaker Door Building Guide with Free Calculator
Cabinet Base for the Basic Collection
Estimated Cost
none, just converted the functions and calculations to work in excel
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X entryway table

Submitted by Erinawtrey on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 16:24

I made this to match Ana's rustic x console, end and coffee table!

Built from Plan(s)
Small Rustic X Console
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

DIY Barn Door From 2x6 Boards

I made his Barn door out of the wood that was left in our garage when we moved in. Using (7) 2x6 boards and adding stain sanding and hardware, it became a super functional industrial rustic (is that a design style LOL) door! (I added a cat door to for our cat ;))

Blog Link
DIY Ban Door from Simple 2x6 Boards
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum summer oak, varathane cabernet, flat black spray paint, and polyurethane semi gloss. I have the full tutorial on my blog and am more than happy to answer any questions ;)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic Farmhouse Table

This table was quite simple to build. The hard part was the sanding and the painting/staining. It is sturdy. I also like that I can sand or touch up stain if it is ever damaged. Most store bought tables don't have that ability since the table top is usually a veneer.
Step by Step Summary on my blog - http://thequaintcottage.blogspot.com

Blog Link
Find plans for the DIY Farmhouse Table
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Rustic Table
Estimated Cost
I think it cost under $50 with all the lumber, stain and screws. Me likey!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The base has a faux-aged paint finish. Top is Red Oak stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JES

Sat, 07/09/2011 - 18:47

Your paint job for the legs is awesome. I went to your blog to look at the whole process. Great work. The colors for the legs and top go together beautifully. Wonderfjul job! :) J

The Quaint Cottage

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 17:45

Thanks! I really didn't know if all the colors were necessary or if it would turn out how I pictured it in my head, but I just posted a close up pic of the finished leg and hints of the colors show. It is as close to I could get to weathered boards without waiting years to make them.

grandeb3660

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 14:52

Would really LOVE to have the step by step for this table. Love, love, love it!

Potting bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/14/2022 - 18:53

Thanks to Ana White for the inspiration, plans, and instructions to make our own Potters Bench. We had a little help from grandchildren for the final steps. We used cedar and made it 60” long rather than 48” just for a little more useable space. After purchasing the wood, we got busy and completed the whole project in a Saturday afternoon, with just the finish coat left to apply.

This was a very satisfying project to work on and complete. We will always look at it with pride and be able to say “we built that”!

Pat & Lawrence
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Potting Bench

Comments

Secretary/Storage cabinet

Submitted by Kirch3333 on Mon, 11/02/2015 - 05:39

Inspired by the Tall Secretary with mail slots but with my own twist/needs incorporated in it. Finished with pure white satin paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Secretary Cabinet with Mail Slots
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pure white Behr satin enamel paint, finished with Varathane Matte Soft Touch Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Indoor firwood console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/25/2022 - 07:23

This was fun and easy to make. I made a few changes: it's only 4 ft wide and logs are 15 inches. Separate section for kindling and paper. Vinyl plank, matching our floor, for bottom and back. Added some hooks left and right for woodstove tools. I used the Kreg tool (new to me, love it). It was great to attach the top. I guess I didn't need to use it for the other parts, because the 1 by 4s would have covered the screws, but ... it was good practice with a new tool and the logs cover up the holes. Thanks Ana for all your great plans. I'm feeling encouraged to create some more stuff. Stay tuned.

Blog Link
Nicky Peeters
Built from Plan(s)
Firewood Holder Console Table

Farm House Table and Benches

Submitted by markelll on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:28

I wanted a big rustic farm table, didn't want to drop thousands on one from a store, so I decided to make my own!

I built it in the (formerly empty) dining room, with tarp on the floor and plastic to seal the doorways.

Was a big project and my first project so I started with the benches as this site and users recommended.

I used the farm house bench plan - just shortened the dimensions so that I could have two benches on either side of the table. Then I merged the two table plans so that I could have the top with the bread boards but legs that attached underneath (like the rustic table) so that they could be removed when we move. I'll work to upload my plans too.

Used Minwax Wood Stain in "english chestnut" and Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer (instead of a Polyurethane).

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Simple Rustic Table
Estimated Cost
approximately $300 (for wood, finish, sand paper, stain, screws..)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax "English Chestnut" and
Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer to finish.

I prepped the wood by sanding it down to 220 (could have done an even better job sanding, and sanded the table and bench tops even finer).
Used a sponge brush to apply the wood stain, wiped off rather quickly (only a few minutes on the wood).
Used brush to apply Deft Sating Wood Brushing Lacquer. Used spray can of Deft when I ran out of liquid. Didn't go on as thick. Although using a brush is more of a hassle, it had a better coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:18

Your use of short benches makes the set more family and guest friendly. I usually hand rub my finish, I think i want to build this and probably use 0ak 2X12's (know it will be heavy).

Suggestions?

I will use it on a Florida roofed concrete deck for an outdoor dining area. Typically more formal dinners. Deck overlooks beautiful cove.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 11:00

Can you explain how you merged the plans to add the bread boards? I would love to do the same!

Jeff (not verified)

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:09

This is exactly what I am looking for in a table to build. We want bread boards on the end and we don't want stretchers on the bottom. How did you combine the two to do this. Can you send me a copy of your plan? [email protected]

Kimberly Dassel (not verified)

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:35

Could you please send me the plans for this table? I love it and would love to attempy making it. Thanks so much!

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 15:53

Your farm table and benches were exactly what I was looking for. Please send me the plans if they are available. Thanks

Faye Sawatzky (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 19:23

I would love a copy of the plans for this gorgeous table you made. I am inspired.

Kelly Lucas (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 15:26

Would love, love the plans for this project if you are willing to share. Many thanks! :)

danno2084

Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:57

I'm sure you've heard this a hundred times already, but we've been looking for a very long time for a table like this. We would also love the plans if you're sharing. Thanks for the great blog!

jsh2001

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 07:47

Getting ready to build my own and now you have me thinking I prefer this design with no stretchers on the bottom. Looks great!!!

Mammavof3

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 20:12

Can I please please please have the plans? I have a very narrow dining area and this table is PERFECT. Thanks

PorkyPok

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 13:30

I too would really love/need these plans. PLEASE. Thanks :)

Cbreck21

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 14:30

I would REALLY like the plans for his version as well. I am going to combine them. Can someone ask him to post or his he sending via email? If so, [email protected]

Thank you SO much!!!

wendykeeler

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 09:48

just bought a cabin and need all sorts of furniture. I love what you did and would sure love to have your plans and how you merged the two----both for the table and especially for the benches. Trying to do a 10' table for huge family gatherings. Thanks so much! You rock!

Sarina88

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 14:28

This table and bench set is exactly what I am looking for. You did such a great job!

Do you have plans that you wouldnt mind sending to my email? [email protected]

KailuaGirl

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 14:25

Hi There!
It seems like there are no replies to the many requests for the merged plans.
I'm guessing he used the top of one set of plans and the bottom portion of the other set of plans?? I will attempt to tweak myself..
Good Luck!

markelll

Fri, 01/09/2015 - 19:54

Hi everyone,
Well I didn't see all these comments! Sorry to have ignored your requests for plans!

This is the bench I made (I did four of these, and adjusted the measurements so they were each about 40" long)
http://ana-white.com/2011/01/farmhouse-bench

I was going to do this table, because it matches the benches, but decided I wanted a table with removable legs so it would be more maneuverable when we move!
http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html

I ended up using more of this plan in terms of how I assembled it, but adjusted the plans to have the tabletop include breadboards (the plank on top perpendicular to the long tabletop planks) and I used 4x4s for legs, plus the top was from 2x8s not 1x10s. I put in the optional cross supports too, and additional supports under the breadboard to connect it to the table frame and table top slats.. this is more info than you need, all to say, plans are flexible and you can do what you want!
http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-very-rustic-table-and-cool.html

Sorry I don't have detailed notes. I was very picky about the dimensions (based on space) and how high I wanted the table (about 1.5" taller than a normal table). I also measure the distance between the underside of the table and the tops of the benches so I could cross my legs under the table (an odd requirement).

Happy Building!

brentlbg

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 15:10

I like the english chestnut stain. That works so well with this type of lumber. Great job. I plan to use the same stain on the Tryde coffee table I am building. Thanks for sharing your work!!!

Back